UMG Denies Claims and Defends Actions in Drake’s Legal Action Against Label
Drake has filed a defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) after the release of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.” Per HipHopDX, Drake accuses UMG in his legal complaint of knowing the song’s allegations were false but choosing to release and promote the track anyway, prioritizing “corporate greed” over artist safety. Drake claims the song damaged his reputation and led to real-life violence, citing a shooting at his home and multiple trespassing incidents. He also alleges that UMG artificially boosted the song’s popularity using bots and payola, attempting to weaken his brand for financial gain.
In response, UMG denied the claims, calling them “untrue” and “illogical,” defending their actions in distributing the track and rejecting any allegations of defamation. The company emphasized its long-standing support of Drake and criticized his use of the legal system to target creative expression. Drake has stated that his lawsuit is not directed at Kendrick Lamar but at UMG for publishing and promoting the song’s false and harmful allegations. The legal battle continues, with a separate case against UMG and iHeartMedia in Texas scheduled for a court hearing on January 28.
